NAS devices are network storage servers with bays for hard drives or SSDs, made for homes, small businesses and creative studios that need a shared file store. Our range has over 250 models, from single-bay units to twelve-bay systems, mostly from QNAP, Synology, ASUS and UGREEN.
How to choose a NAS
Number of drive bays. Many of our models have four or eight bays, and there are also units with one, two or six. A two-bay NAS can mirror your data, while four bays or more allow RAID 5 or RAID 6 and make it easier to expand capacity later.
Processor. Plain file storage needs only a modest processor, but video transcoding, virtual machines and Docker containers ask for more. Our range includes models with Intel Celeron, Intel Atom, Intel Core i3, AMD Ryzen Embedded and ARM-based processors.
Network speed. A single hard drive can often exceed 1 Gbit/s, so a 2.5 Gbit/s connection is already useful. Many of our models have one, and some also support 10 Gbit/s. If several people edit large video files together, 10 Gbit/s is worth considering, but you will need a suitable switch.
Software. QNAP models run QTS or QuTS hero, and the latter uses the ZFS file system. Synology devices come with DSM. Compare the interface and app packages before buying, because they decide how simple backups and photo sharing will be.
Warranty and what is included. Many of our devices carry a 3-year warranty, and some have 2 years. Also check whether drives are included, as many NAS units are sold without them.
Brands in our range
- QNAP: the largest brand in our range, known for the QTS and QuTS hero operating systems, the latter built on the ZFS file system.
- Synology: known for its easy-to-use DSM software and its packages for backups and photo management.
- UGREEN: a maker of consumer electronics accessories that has entered the NAS market with its own UGOS software.
- Ubiquiti: known for UniFi networking gear such as routers, switches and Wi-Fi access points.
Also in our range: ASUS, TERRAMASTER, Promise, Toshiba, Western Digital, SanDisk and Jonsbo.
Frequently asked questions about NAS devices
What is a NAS used for?
A NAS stores files and makes them available over the network to several devices at once. It can hold computer backups, photos, videos and documents, and stream films to a television.
How many drive bays do I need in a NAS?
Two or four bays are often enough for a home. A four-bay model can run RAID 5 and keep your data safe if one drive fails, while eight bays or more suit a small business or a large video library.
Do I need a 10 Gbit/s NAS?
Most home users are fine with 1 or 2.5 Gbit/s. Choose 10 Gbit/s when several people work on large files at the same time and your switch and computers also support that speed.
Does RAID replace a backup?
No, RAID only protects against the failure of one or two drives. It will not recover deleted files, ransomware damage or a fire, so important data should also be copied to an external drive or the cloud.
